Decarb DC Higher Education

​Higher Education: Advancing Sustainability & Decarbonization

​📅 Date: March 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
(Further details provided after registration)
🏛 Hosted by: The Catholic University of America
🌟 Sponsors/Members: F&D Partners, Inc., Revert Technologies, Installnet

​Exploring the Future of Energy & Decarbonization in Higher Education
This exclusive event will bring together university leaders, sustainability experts, and industry professionals to discuss strategies for campus decarbonization, energy policy impacts, and innovative financing solutions.

​Join us for an insightful day of expert panels, real-world case studies, and strategic networking to advance decarbonization efforts in higher education.

​Event Highlights & Key Topics

• ​Navigating Energy & Decarbonization Under the New Administration

• ​Lessons Learned from Campus Decarbonization Initiatives

• ​Developing a Decarbonization Roadmap & Actionable Solutions

• ​Green Financing & Procurement Strategies

• ​Understanding the Energy Markets

• ​Best Practices for Energy Efficiencies

• ​Micro Nuclear Technologies

​Event Agenda & Speaker Lineup

​8:50 AM – Opening Remarks

• ​Scott Donachie, CEO at Decarb Summits
  – Connecting decision-makers across real estate, finance, and technology to drive sustainable impact, leading over 170+ organizations in transforming the built environment. LinkedIn

• ​Debra Nauta-Rodriguez, University Architect and Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and Management at The Catholic University of America
  – Leads campus planning and sustainability initiatives, driving innovative infrastructure development and long-term facility strategies. LinkedIn

​9:00 AM – Fireside Chat: Navigating Energy & Decarbonization Under the New Administration

• ​Scott Donachie (moderator), CEO at Decarb Summits
  – Connecting decision-makers across real estate, finance, and technology to drive sustainable impact, leading over 170+ organizations in transforming the built environment. LinkedIn

• ​Teresa Pohlman, Director, Sustainability & Environmental Programs at US Department of Homeland Security
  – Sustainability and environmental leader with over 25 years of experience managing large-scale infrastructure, environmental programs, and policy development across the Department of Homeland Security, Air Force, and Navy. LinkedIn

• ​Robert Phinney, Co-Director of ESG at Marx|Okubo Associates, Inc
  – Supports building owners in transitioning to a low-carbon economy by integrating sustainability and resilience practices, fostering ESG education, and developing value-driven solutions. LinkedIn

• ​Suedeen Kelly, Partner and Co-Chair, Energy Practice at Jenner & Block
  – Recognized leader in energy law and policy, specializing in regulatory frameworks and industry best practices, named among the most influential women in energy law. LinkedIn

​9:30 AM – Lessons Learned Decarbonizing Campuses
Insights from leading institutions on challenges and successes in campus-wide sustainability initiatives.

• ​Jennifer Eule (moderator), VP of Growth & Strategic Partnerships at F&D Partners, Inc.
  – Specializes in energy management and sustainability, driving strategic business development and customized solutions through data-driven energy consulting. LinkedIn

• ​Mary-Ann Ibeziako Nnewihe, AVP, Environmental Health, Sustainability & Safety at Howard University
  – Leads environmental health, sustainability, and safety initiatives at Howard University, driving strategic planning, energy management, and campus-wide sustainability efforts.LinkedIn

• ​David Osborne, Director, Energy & Engineering at American University
  – Oversees energy and engineering initiatives at American University, focusing on sustainability, energy efficiency, and infrastructure optimization. LinkedIn

• ​Gabrielle Choate, Director, Office of Campus Sustainability at Catholic University of America
  – Leads campus sustainability efforts at The Catholic University of America, driving environmental initiatives, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. LinkedIn

• ​Mansi Talwar, Executive Director, Engineering, Utilities & Energy at George Washington University
  – Experienced leader in engineering and building operations, specializing in energy management, environmental compliance, and sustainable urban infrastructure. LinkedIn

​10:20 AM – Coffee/Networking
Take a break and connect with fellow attendees over coffee and snacks. Engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network with sustainability leaders and industry experts.

​10:40 AM – Creating a Decarbonization Roadmap & Actionable Solutions
Developing a step-by-step approach to achieving campus sustainability goals.

• ​Dave Good (Moderator), Director, Energy, Utilities & Sustainability at Gallaudet University
  – Experienced energy and sustainability leader, specializing in funding solutions, project delivery, and reducing environmental impacts in higher education. LinkedIn

• ​Sean Casey, Energy Planning Engineer at AECOM
  – Expert in building and campus-scale energy systems, specializing in decarbonization, energy resilience, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. LinkedIn

• ​Wayne Barnett, Head, Public Policy and External Affairs at Cordia
  – Drives strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and brand awareness in energy infrastructure, supporting sustainable development and advancing regulatory frameworks across the industry. LinkedIn

​11:10 AM – Lessons Learned in Green Financing & Procurement
Exploring funding mechanisms and procurement strategies for sustainability initiatives.

• ​Whitney Stowell (Moderator), CEO & Founder at Cribworks LLC
  – Business development leader with expertise in sales strategy, growth planning, and strategic partnerships, driving success across commercial, startup, and nonprofit sectors. LinkedIn

• ​Cindy McCabe, Director of Renewable Energy at Montgomery County Green Bank
  – Expert in renewable energy financing and sustainability, specializing in solar energy, data analysis, and energy efficiency project development. LinkedIn

• ​Dale Ewing, Founder & CEO at Installnet
  – Advocates for sustainability and the circular economy, pioneering waste diversion initiatives that have repurposed over 50 million pounds of furniture and equipment. LinkedIn

​11:40 PM – Energy Markets 2025: Trends You Can't Afford to Ignore
A snapshot of today’s shifting energy landscape and what it means for real estate, construction, and clean energy development.

• ​Fatmir Gjinaj, Co-Founder & President at F&D Partners
  – Provides expert insights on energy procurement, regulatory trends, and market shifts. LinkedIn

​12:10 PM – Networking & Lunch
Enjoy a lunch break while networking with peers, speakers, and professionals in the sustainability and energy sectors. A great opportunity to discuss insights from the sessions and build valuable connections.

​1:15 PM – Best Practices for Energy Efficiencies
Exploring cutting-edge technology and strategies to optimize energy consumption, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability through intelligent energy management solutions.

• ​Ryan Li, CEO at Revert Technologies
  – Leads innovation in intelligent energy management, leveraging machine learning and smart technology to optimize electricity usage and drive cost savings for businesses. LinkedIn

​1:30 PM – Micro Nuclear Technologies
Exploring the potential of mobile microreactor technology in providing safe, reliable, and scalable energy solutions for military, civil, and commercial applications.

• ​Chris Pehrson, CEO at MobileNuclear
  – Leader in advanced energy solutions, driving innovation in mobile microreactor technology to enhance energy security for military, civil, and commercial applications. LinkedIn

​1:45 PM – Closing Remarks

• ​Scott Donachie, CEO at Decarb Summits
  – Connecting decision-makers across real estate, finance, and technology to drive sustainable impact, leading over 170+ organizations in transforming the built environment. LinkedIn

​Why Attend?

​✅ Gain insights from top experts in campus sustainability & decarbonization
✅ Learn best practices from real-world case studies
✅ Discover innovative financing & procurement strategies
✅ Network with sustainability leaders & decision-makers

​Register to Reserve Your Spot!
For inquiries or to request an invitation, please contact: andrew.byrne@decarbsummits.com